genuine; authentic; true; pure
to be astonished; to be amazed; to be astounded; to be deeply impressed
to strain (e.g. one's nerves); to be on edge; to be tense (of an atmosphere); to cover completely (e.g. with tiles, ice, etc.); to spread over; to become covered (in)
to have one's breath taken away; to gasp (in surprise, wonder, etc.); to have one's breath catch in one's throat; to gulp
to gouge; to hollow out; to greatly perturb; to cause emotional pain; to get to the bottom of things; to relentlessly bring the truth to light
to drill; to bore; to hit the mark; to get to the heart of (the matter); (arch.) to put on; (arch.) to wear
rivalry (between two equally strong sides); struggle for supremacy; competing (with); vying (with); contending (with); being an equal match (for)
to polish up; to shine up
few decades; many decades; several decades
barrier; protective wall; obstacle; hindrance; imaginary shield that gives one invincibility or immunity
military man; warrior; soldier
to polish; to shine; to burnish; to refine (a skill, etc.); to improve; to hone
culmination; acme; height; peak; ultimate; perfection
brilliant; bright; radiant
to disturb; to upset; to ruffle; to stir up; to mess up
to blow in (of wind, rain, etc.); to blow (air) into (e.g. a balloon); to breathe (new life) into; to inspire (someone) with; to put into someone's head; to record (audio; on tape, vinyl, etc.)
double; twice (as much); twofold
to grow up; to become an adult; to become big; to grow in size
one swing; one shake (e.g. of pepper); one sword
thunderous roar; roaring sound
to extract; to pull out; to draw out; to headhunt; to lure away; to poach
to jump up; to leap up; to spring up
to push away; to push aside; to shove
to pull out; to draw out; to pick out; to take (a sample); to steal (the contents of something); to pilfer
-less; lacking; non-existing
trial of strength; test of one's strength (stamina)
competition; rivalry; feeling that something is worth the effort; motivation; enthusiasm
immersing oneself in; being absorbed in; devoting oneself to; giving oneself up entirely to
to pin down; to hold down; to cover (esp. a part of one's body with one's hand); to clutch (a body part in pain); to get a hold of; to obtain; to grasp (a point)
to pluck off (esp. by twisting); to pick; to break off; to wrest (away from); to wrench free; to snatch (away)
right behind; just behind; directly behind
shivering (with cold); trembling (with fear); shuddering
commandant; commanding officer; general
bitter smile; wry smile; strained laugh; sarcastic laugh
various countries; various regions; various provinces
there is no need to ...; never happens; there is never a time when
scary; frightening; eerie; dreadful
stronghold; inner citadel; base; headquarters